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In this week\u2019s episode, America Adapts host, Doug Parsons, talks with Dr. Evelyn Gaiser from Florida International University.\xa0 We primarily cover two topics: what is the \xa0Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program and Dr. Gaiser\u2019s role in adaptation planning in South Florida.\xa0 But that is just a sampling of all the topics we cover. We begin by learning the many hats Evelyn wears at FIU:\xa0 \xa0She\u2019s the Executive Director at FIU\u2019s School of Environment, Arts and Society and she\u2019s the Lead Principal Investigator at the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Program (which we\u2019ll call the LTER). \xa0First, we learn how Evelyn started her work in ecology at the University of Georgia\u2019s Savannah River Ecological lab.\xa0 Dr. Gaiser also takes us into the Everglades, learning what makes this expansive park unique and incredibly important to everyone living in south Florida.\xa0 We talk about the amazing, rich biodiversity of the Everglades and Evelyn explains the park\u2019s unique ecological functions. Evelyn then discusses the history and role of the LETRs, located throughout the United States, monitoring change in key ecosystems. We learn about the army of research scientists studying the Everglades through the LETR.\xa0 We also learn how all this science generated at the LETR helps influence key policy decisions in the region and Evelyn\u2019s role in making these connections for policymakers.\xa0 Learn what it means to conduct research on sea level rise in the political minefield that is south Florida.\xa0 The LETR\u2019s help us understand that we can\u2019t adapt to climate change unless we can accurately track changes in the environment. And we briefly discuss the best ways a tourist can experience the Florida Everglades!

We then dissect the complexities of dealing with natural resources in south Florida.\xa0 As Miami continues to grow, there continues to be significant friction with water sharing between the city and the Everglades.\xa0 Evelyn shares how the LTER informs the decision making process.\xa0 I ask Evelyn: Will the Everglades will be a marine park within 100 years.\xa0 You\u2019ll have to listen in to hear her surprising answer! \xa0Learn about such concepts as \u201cpeat collapse\u201d and ways to avoid it.\xa0 Also hear how Dr. Gaiser spent her 2015 Earth Day with President Obama and hear firsthand, his inspiring support for the role science plays in sustaining the Everglades. Finally we discuss Dr. Gaiser\u2019s role in adaptation planning in south Florida.\xa0 Many of the local communities, especially Miami, are taking actions and relying on experts at FIU to provide guidance on how to plan for sea level rise. Dr. Gaiser describes how FIU has developed the \u201cSea Level Rise Solutions Center\u201d to help local communities plan for these climate impacts.\xa0 And Evelyn ends the podcast by giving her advice on how people can become involved and how the LTERs can be resources as society adapts to climate change. \xa0There\u2019s a lot more, so please listen in to this fascinating conversation with Dr. Evelyn Gaiser!

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